Please bring luggage from hotel rooms to hotel lobby (assistance as needed). During Sitka field trip, walking up to 1 mile with stops along the way.
Our breakfast buffet at the hotel includes oatmeal, French toast, eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, sausage, fruit, orange juice, tea, milk.
After bringing our luggage down and checking out of the hotel, we’ll reassemble and walk to the oldest museum in Alaska, the Sheldon Jackson Museum, which holds many artifacts that were collected by Sheldon Jackson. In 1877, Sheldon Jackson began his work in Alaska as a Presbyterian missionary and, while working with the Alaska Natives, he saw the need to preserve their history and culture for future generations so he amassed an extensive collection of cultural artifacts, many of which are on display in the museum. After a brief introduction to the museum, enjoy some time to explore the exhibits independently; docents will be available to answer any questions you may have. Then we will explore downtown Sitka on foot with a stop at the Sitka Sound Science Center. While at the science center we will learn about the salmon spawning process, have the opportunity to explore the touch tank, and learn about all of the research the science center is conducting.
In our private meeting room at the Alaska Dream Cruise Hospitality Suite, we’ll choose from a selection of pre-made sandwiches along with dessert items, fresh fruit and sodas, water, coffee and tea.
Following lunch we will make our way to the Sitka Raptor center, and witness all of the wonderful work this place doing to rehabilitate the local raptors. Following our tour of the Sitka Raptor Center, we will make have the chance to explore the historic Sitka National Historical Park. One of Alaska's most charming communities, Sitka lies in a protected harbor rich in natural resources and has a complex history dating back over 8,000 years beginning with the Kiksadi Tlingit people as the native residents. Serious Russian interest began in 1725 when they began to explore the Pacific coast of North America until they eventually established, after much fighting with the Tlingit people, Sitka as an administrative center. Following our tour we will then board our vessel for our embarkation from Sitka. After boarding, we will meet the Captain and crew and have an orientation session outlining safety procedures as we get underway. After we settle in, we’ll transit two beautiful, twisty narrow passages where we can look for sea otters, bald eagles, and other creatures. Each evening aboard ship, there will be a social hour before dinner as an opportunity to recap the day’s activities, preview what will happen tomorrow, get to know our fellow participants better, make new Road Scholar friends, and see amazing scenery. As a tasty treat, enjoy complimentary hors d‘oeuvres as well as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate; other beverages available for purchase.
In the pleasant dining room, enjoy plated meals prepared by professionally trained chefs using fresh, organic, and locally produced foods plus one complimentary glass of beer or wine with all dinners aboard the ship. Coffee, tea, milk, hot chocolate and water are included; other beverages available for purchase. Menus change daily, usually including a seafood or meat entrée.
A staff member will provide an overview of tomorrow’s activities as well as discuss the local history and culture. The ship’s public address system allows participants to hear programs in the forward lounge (where most of our onboard programming occurs) or in the comfort of staterooms.
